Having missed the start of last season through injury Dickson Etuhu made his Fulham debut in December 2008 in a 3-0 defeat of Middlesbrough and never looked back.
Now in his second season at Craven Cottage, the 27 central midfielder has proved another shrewd purchase by Roy Hodgson, with his athleticism and raw power complimenting the industry and invention of midfield partner Danny Murphy and offering invaluable security to Aaron Hughes and Brede Hangeland.
His form over the course of the 2008-09 season also earned a recall to the Nigeria squad as they looked towards the 2010 World Cup, with Etuhu at his imposing best for the Super Eagles.
He also netted his first Fulham goal as the Whites recorded only their second away win of the 2008-09 season at the City of Manchester Stadium, with Etuhu’s thunderous strike the second goal in a 3-1 victory in mid April.
It was no easy task to effectively replace fans’ favourite Jimmy Bullard, who joined Hull City in the January 2009 transfer window, in the heart of the Fulham midfield, but the strength and commitment of Etuhu’s performances did much to cushion the blow.
During the first half of the 09/10 season Etuhu did not feature as heavily, due to injury, selection and the players participation in the 2010 African Cup of Nations.
However Etuhu's return to fitness and form in February coincided with an outstanding run of results in both league and cup campaigns.
Etuhu will be hoping his form over the final months of the season will seal his place in Nigeria's squad for the 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa.